Very strong winds and heavy rainfall expected across Essex tonight (Friday) and into Saturday morning

18:00 14 February 2014

Residents are being encouraged to take extra care over the weekend, following bulletins from the Met Office warning that a further period of very strong winds up to 60mph – and up to 15mm of rain – is expected across Essex tonight and into Saturday morning.

The public should be aware of the potential for trees being uprooted and perhaps damage to buildings due to strong winds.

The very strong winds will be accompanied by large waves in coastal areas and the public should also be aware of these potentially dangerous conditions

There is a strong likelihood of disruption to travel. Residents can check for the latest traffic updates by listening to local radio, or by visiting essex.gov.uk/highways or following Prepared in Essex on Twitter, twitter.com/PreparedinEssex

Due to the bad weather the part-night lighting scheme will be suspended across Essex tonight to support the emergency services and Essex Highway’s own maintenance crews as they deal with flooding, fallen trees and debris.

Essex Highways is mobilising increased numbers of maintenance staff over the weekend to respond to storm-related incidents.

County Councillor Rodney L Bass, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: “At this time we recommend that residents only make journeys that are absolutely necessary having first checked the weather forecast.”

Residents can get the latest information and advice from the Environment Agency website at environment-agency.gov.uk.

A motorcyclist who weaved in and out of traffic at speeds up to 148mph – believed to be the highest ever speed recorded in the UK by a rider carrying a pillion passenger – has today been banned from driving for 15 months.